As a motorcycle or bicycle delivery or delivery driver, you can spend considerable time on the road for long hours, increasing the risks of being involved in a car accident.
Unfortunately, accidents are commonplace in the transportation industry and can result in personal injuries that can be devastating and life changing temporarily or permanently from the traumatic event.
In this regard and for this post, we will provide a brief guide to help delivery drivers understand the risks of being a delivery driver, the importance of wearing the correct safety equipment, and some of the frequent and sustained vehicle accidents by dealers.
Read on for more information on how to reduce or avoid a car accident in these types of jobs!
Risks of being a delivery driver in the United States
Delivery drivers have one of the most challenging jobs with vehicles today, be it a car or a bicycle.
According to a report from Amazon’s Center for Strategic Organization, delivery drivers have the highest rate of injuries of any supply chain in the US marketplace. In the 2021 analysis, approximately one in five Amazon delivery drivers suffered personal injury, which was a 40% increase over 2020.
What is this about? To factors such as the constant movement from one place to another, driving for long hours, and transporting a heavy load, among others, since they can increase the probability of suffering a personal injury due to a vehicle accident if the necessary precautions are not taken to avoid or reduce it.
Added to this, if you combine these with unpredictable weather and traffic conditions, and other drivers on the road including those driving under the influence of a substance, it is easy to understand why delivery drivers are at high risk of being involved in traffic accidents. .
Common Injuries Delivery Drivers Can Sustain
Among the most frequent, include cervical damage, bone fractures, injuries to the skull, spinal cord or in the worst case, death of the victim.
Despite this, these types of accidents can also cause emotional and financial problems, not only for the driver, but also for their families.
In addition, delivery drivers are also at risk of being robbed, assaulted, or injured while making deliveries in unfamiliar areas, areas where the population is vulnerable, or where there is a high crime rate.
Therefore, following traffic laws, wearing seat belts, avoiding distractions while driving, and taking breaks to avoid driver fatigue can help minimize the risk of being involved in an accident and keep you safe during the work day.
Importance of the right safety equipment
When it comes to handling personal injuries caused by vehicle accidents as a delivery driver, one of the most important things to consider is the proper safety equipment.
In this regard, we must understand that these driving professionals spend a significant amount of time on the road, which unfortunately means that they are at greater risk of an accident on a day-to-day basis. Although we will never know when an accident may occur or occur, steps can be taken to reduce or avoid it if possible.
Therefore, if you are a delivery person, your safety equipment should include a high visibility vest, a helmet, and safety glasses if you use a motorcycle or bicycle.
These pieces of equipment or accessories will not only protect you, but also make you more visible to other drivers on the road. High visibility vests are especially important as they allow other drivers to see you better, especially at night or in low light conditions.
Another important item of safety equipment for delivery people is a first aid kit. You never know when you or someone else might be injured, and having a first aid kit on hand can help quickly treat any injury.
Make sure your first aid kit is well stocked and easily accessible in case of a roadside emergency.
In addition to these items, it is also important that if you drive a vehicle such as a car, it is equipped with safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a rear camera. These features can help reduce the risk of accidents and keep you safe in the event of a collision.
